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Europe’s RTL takes complete stake in n-TV

MUMBAI: Europe’s largest broadcaster, RTL Group has taken full control of the German news network n-tv, acquiring CNN’s 50 percent stake for an undisclosed sum.

The Bonn-based German Cartel Office approved the move for RTL to acquire the 50 percent stake owned by Atlanta, Georgia-based CNN, the European broadcaster said in a statement.

RTL had applied to the German Cartel Office last November to take 100 percent control of the channel. The regulatory authority has approved the acquisition without any stipulations, according to media reports.

The German Cartel Office said it has approved Bertelsmann AG’s TV station RTL Television GmbH’s takeover of the German news station n-tv, despite expressing reservations.

The cartel office noted that RTL Group – with its stations RTL, VOX, Super RTL and n-tv – and its rival ProSiebenSat.1 GruppeMedia AG, enjoy a duopoly control of the German television market.

It said that rejecting the takeover would not weaken this duopoly nor reduce the advertising customers that RTL enjoys from the n-tv station.
RTL Germany head. Anke Schaeferkordt said, “We welcome the decision of the cartel office and are excited that n-tv has become the most important member of the RTL family.”

April 13, 2006
ESPN launches 10th International edition of flagship show ‘SportsCenter’

MUMBAI: ESPN has launched the 10th international version of its news and information show SportsCenter. The Japanese edition will air on J Sports ESPN every Monday night.

The show covers the major weekend sporting events relevant to Japanese viewers, as well as international sports with particular appeal to local fans. It is hosted by Yoko Umeda from the J Sports ESPN studios in Tokyo.

ESPN Asia Pacific VP and GM Bernard Stewart said, “The Japanese version of SportsCenter is a perfect example of ESPN’s commitment to provide locally relevant news and information to sports fans in each region of the world.”

SportsCenter is produced in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and now Japanese. The local SportsCenters air on ESPN and ESPN+ in Latin America, ESPN Dos Mexico, ESPN Brasil, TSN Canada, ESPN Star Sports (ESS) across Asia, ESS India, ESS Hong Kong, ESS Taiwan, MBC Korea and J Sports ESPN.

April 13, 2006
Entertainment networks off air as Bangalore mourns Rajkumar’s death

BANGALORE / MUMBAI: India’s I-T hub of Bangalore shut down today as increasingly violent mourners gathered from around the state for Karnataka cinema’s legendary icon Rajkumar’s funeral.

As a mark of respect (and also fearing possible attacks) cable networks in the city switched off all their entertainment channels. Only news channels were beaming ahead of Rajkumar’s cremation this evening, which will be conducted with full state honours.

“The Kannada Sanga has requested us to switch off all entertainment channels in Bangalore today, as a mark of respect to Dr Rajkumar,” said the head of an MSO, while speaking to indiantelevision.com.

Only the news channels are being telecast. Local Kannada channels Udaya and ETV are running on the cable networks as they have taken serials off air and are only showing programmes related to Dr Rajkumar. The entire Star, Zee and Sony-Discovery’s One Alliance channels are off.

“Cable operators in Bangalore decided to switch off all entertainment channels from midnight. We expect to put the channels on from tomorrow once Rajkumar’s body is cremated,” said Hathway Cable & Datacom head of digital in Bangalore Mathur Nath.

Cable operators were also contacted by the Kannada activists yesterday. Popular Tamil channels including Sun TV and Jaya TV were pulled off air.

The entertainment channel blackout seems restricted to Bangalore alone, since enquiries from Mysore reveal that entertainment channels are on there, as has also been confirmed by a Bangalore MSO who has a network in Mysore too, though shops and businesses have remained closed there too.

As per reports, policemen have been a target of the public ire and TV news channels showed scenes of unruly mobs chasing and beating up policemen.

Rajkumar, known to fans as “Aannavru” or elder brother, died yesterday aged 77, following a cardiac arrest. The thespian, winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke and Padma Bhushan awards along with a host of other citations, has encouraged the use of Kannada language in the state. His 45-year career in cinema included more than 200 Kannada-language films.

April 13, 2006
DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package

MUMBAI: DirecTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks – MBC, YTN, and Christian Television Systems (CTS).

In addition, DirecTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.

SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DirecTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DirecTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month, according to an official release.

DirecTV International VP Aaron McNally said, “DirecTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available. By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DirecTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland.”

SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. MBC

MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. “M” stands for “Munwha” in Korean, which means “culture” in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.

YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. The network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.

Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. For more information on how to receive KoreanDirect, customers should call (800) 378-3309.

The DirecTV WorldDirect platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.

DirecTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.

April 13, 2006
Buena Vista Intl TV EMEA appoints Taylor as VP legal & business affairs

MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) EMEA has appointed Simon Taylor as vice president legal and business affairs. This was announced by BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis and Disney senior vice president and European general counsel Peter Wiley.

In this London-based role, Taylor will be responsible for managing all legal and business affairs for BVITV’s television and new media distribution business. Within this, he will work closely with both Toumazis and Wiley, and will manage a BVITV legal and business affairs team of 11 based in London and Paris. He will also become a member of BVITV’s executive team.

Taylor will join BVITV next month from his role as business consultant to a range of clients in the entertainment broadcasting, production and distribution sectors. Prior to this, he was HIT Entertainment’s legal and business affairs director from 2000 to 2002. Before that he was at BBC TV Programme Acquisition as head of business and legal affairs from 1994 to 2000.

Toumazis said, “I’m delighted that someone with Simon’s experience and knowledge of the industry will help us manage the number of business opportunities and legal issues we face in the industry, including emerging new technology platforms and assisting with our continued efforts against piracy.”

Wiley added, “Simon’s extensive track record of in-house legal experience in the international media industry will prove invaluable for our whole company.”

“I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic business and looking forward to working with the team to further success, working with the great content BVITV has, and helping take advantage of the opportunities that the market has to offer,” said Taylor.

April 13, 2006
IBF board to discuss CAS on 5 April

NEW DELHI: Even as Siti Cable today made a presentation on conditional access system to stakeholders during a government-sponsored meeting, the broadcasters said the issue of rollout would be discussed at a board meeting before they finalise their stand.

The Siti Cable presentation basically dwelt on various aspects of CAS, but hinged on the fact that between 180-200 days would be needed as preparation time for final rollout of addressability in Indian cable homes in the metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Siti Cable is also in favour of standardization of all contractual agreements that are entered between a broadcaster and MSO; an MSO and a cable operator and a local operator and a consumer.

Though the six-hour long meeting took up various viewpoints and modalities that could be followed before the government notifies a date for rollout of CAS, representatives from most major pay broadcasters did not attend today’s meeting.

Those who could be said to be representing the broadcasting community included a senior official from the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), an apex body of all broadcasters active in India, and Zee Telefilms’ Jawahar Goel.

Broadcasters haven’t yet given a formal submission to the government on CAS, which is expected to come through on 7 April when the government will hold another round of meeting with industry stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Indiantelevision.com learns that the board of IBF will discuss addressability in a meeting on Wednesday (5 April).

Some of the issues relating to CAS implementation, which have been informally raised by broadcasters with the government, include piracy, quality of service and parameters to decide standardized agreements amongst industry stakeholders.

It is also learnt that the broadcasters are averse to supplying maximum retail price for a TV channel for the end consumer.

The pay broadcasters, yet to articulate their final stand on this issue, feel a mechanism could be evolved whereby wholesale price of individual channels and bouquets could be supplied to MSOs who then could decide what a channel should cost to the consumer after including their margins for providing a service.

After today’s meeting, an independent cable operator of Delhi, Dr. AK Rastogi, said, “We have been discussing CAS for few days now. But to me, it seems, final implementation, as directed by the Delhi High Court, will take more time than what had been envisaged.”

April 13, 2006
Asianet, Asianet Plus line up Vishu fare on 14 April

MUMBAI: Asianet is celebrating this Vishu on 14 April with a host of special programmes. The Programme packag is branded as Vishu Kazhcha.

Vishu songs by cine star Mahathi will be followed by Vishu forecast by kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboothiripad. A telefilm , Kanikonna Poothapol, will be telecast on the day. Cine star Meera Jasmine recollects her memories of Vishu celebrations and also discusses her new movie Rasathanthram in the morning show , Suprabhatham.

The other programmes in the day include comedy skits and a special music programme in which Vidhu Prathap, Rimi Tomy , Sheela Mani, Pradeep Babu and many others will participate.

The Mohanlal – starrer Vamanapuram Bus route will be shown on the mini-screen for the first time through Asianet on Vishu morning, at 9:30 am. Another movie in the offing on the day is Vellinakshathram , which will be telecast at 1:30 pm.

The Ujala Asianet Film Awards nite ( Part-2) will be telecast at 11:05 pm on Vishu day.

Vishu is being planned as a musical Vishu on Asianet Plus. The day opens with reviving the nostalgic memories of Vishu through musicals and proceeds to the young and upcoming singers of Kerala with the choicest of songs. This follows a tele film – Vishukkeni.

From 9 – 11 am, a two hours live show is planned with tele-chat with the celebrities from Malayalam movie world. Followed by the one and only SP Balasubramaniam performing selected songs from Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

At 1 pm, Hrudayaragam will be featuring Vishu based songs and at 2 PM, the special programme featuring the favourite songs of celebrities.

An exclusive interview with Sonu Nigam is scheduled at 9 pm and a one hour freewheeling chat with music sensation AR Rahman is scheduled at 10 pm.

April 13, 2006
Vijay TV announces special line up for Tamil New Year day

MUMBAI: On the occasion of the Tamil New Year day on 14 April, Vijay TV will begin the day with Kandha Shashti Kavasam, a tribute to the Lord Muruga at 5:30 am.

This will be followed by Mangala Isai at 6 am, a divine Nadhaswaram recital by famous exponents. Stay tuned to Arul Urai at 6:30 pm – One of the most respected spiritual leader comes to your living rooms through Vijay TV for this Tamil New Year.

Nammai Marandarai Naam Marakka Mattom at 7 am: A classical dance presentation by the actress Swarnamalya. With the help of a diverse combination of music, dance and poetry, she beautifully portrays an extract of the great Tamil literature Silapadikaram.

Leoniyin Sirappu Pattimandram at 8 am: A debate, hosted by Dindugal Leoni a famous mediator who steers a debate through comic interjections & humorous anecdotes. Pattimandram are immensely popular with a Tamil viewing audience on a topic pertinent to the society – watch this space for some serious laughter.

Sabaash – Sariyana Potti at 9 am: A Karaoke based musical game show hosted by a celebrity as the popular singers of the industry like Harish,Tippu,Chinmayi,Saindavi,Devan,Ranjith among many others face each other in this battle of the sexes. Stay tuned for loads of excitement.

Ready Joot at 10:30 am: Three popular TV artistes have to convince 3 other celebrities Meera Vasudevan, Venkat Prabhu and Chetan to go on an all-expense paid vacation abroad but in the next 4 hours. Then begins the race to the finish among the 3 individuals. The celebrity whose participants wins also wins an all expense paid trip to one destination abroad.

Shreya Udan Oru Naal at 11:30 am: A great opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the leading celebrities from the Tamil film industry. Watch out.

Sigaram Thotta Thamizhargal at 12:30 am: The winner of the viewer poll of Airtel Sigaram Thotta Thamizhargal will be announced on this special day. Along with a special feature about the winner, the show will also feature the other nominees and their achievements.

Special Movie – Terminator 2: Judgment Day at 1:30 pm
Manadhodu Oru Mazhai Kaalam at 4:30 pm : A sneak peek into the making of the film Manadhodu Oru Mazhai Kaalam starring popular hero Shyam and Samiksha of Arindhum Ariyamalum fame. Tune in for interviews, snippets and much more.

Vijayin Diary at 5 pm: A one hour special interview with the biggest star of Kollywood Vijay.Tune into find out more about this intense actor as he talks about work, life and everything in between.

Kalooori Kanavugal at 6 pm: A show sprinkled with doses of humor, featuring the flavor of the different colleges across the state, highlighting the culture, the students, the achievements and college life. Directed at a young audience and hosted by a vibrant anchor.

Isai – The Legends at 7 pm: On this special day, Vijay brings to you some of the best moments of events held by Vijay featuring popular singers, artistes and other performers.

April 13, 2006
Baby TV to launch in Indonesia next month

MUMBAI: Baby TV and Dori Media International have signed an agreement with Indovision, Indonesia’s first Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) provider, to launch Baby TV, the television channel dedicated to infants and toddlers.

Baby TV is the first television channel designed especially for children under 3 years old. Broadcasting 24 hours and free of commercials or ads, Baby TV is geared towards learning, activity, fun and parent-child interaction. The channel is produced in collaboration with leading child psychologists and infant development experts and is a unique service for parents and grandparents.

Baby TV is already available on over 25 different platforms in 15 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is expected to be launched in Indonesia in Bahasa Indonesia language in May 2006.

The agreement is for a period of 10 years during which, Indovision will pay Baby TV and DMI a consideration from any income derived from the channel.

DMG president and CEO Nadav Palti says, “Although our business continues to be focused on Telenovela, our relationship with Indovision, the largest DTH operator in Indonesia, following the successful launch of our TV channel Televiva Vision 2 has given us a unique position to partner with other channels looking to enter the Asian market. Baby TV is a successful channel which is quickly establishing itself in the global market and Indovision, being the largest DTH operator in Indonesia is the natural partner. Baby TV offers a very unique service and we believe it will be very popular with parents and families in Indonesia.”

Dori Media Group is an international entertainment group active in the production, distribution and broadcasting of Telenovela. The group owns and sells high-loyalty TV content and branded merchandise attracting a wide variety of audiences in over 45 countries. In Israel, Dori Media Group owns and operates the Viva dedicated TV channels and Darset Productions production company.

April 12, 2006
MTV, VHI US go Pink in association with Honda

MUMBAI: MTV and VH1 in the US will paint their broadband and mobile platforms Pink with content from an exclusive flashmob concert in New York City with platinum-selling
LaFace/Zomba artist Pink. The concert footage features music from Pink’s latest album, I’m Not Dead.

The concert was the result of a contest launched last year in conjunction with Honda and its advertising agency RPA to promote the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic. MTV and VH1 worked with Honda to develop the extensive 12-week Honda Civic Under The Hood campaign featuring a series of music-based interstitials that drove viewers to various media platforms to enter their zip codes, giving the region with the most entries a “flashmob” concert by a national music artist.

VH1 and MTV joined forces for the first time ever in creating a cross-channel multiplatform campaign that amplified the reach of the networks’ live music franchises to support the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic.

On 5 April, text messages and emails went out to contest entrants informing them of the Pink “flashmob” concert in New York that evening. The first 200 to respond to the message won access to the event at Crobar. Pink Across All VH1 and MTV Platforms

From tomorrow 13 April, footage from the exclusive concert, including full songs from Pink’s performance will be available on VH1 and MTV’s broadband channels VSpot (vspot.vh1.com) and Overdrive (overdrive.mtv.com).

Fans will also be able to enjoy video clips of the concert on MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile cross-carrier. Pink appeared on MTV’s Total Request Live the day of the concert and upon her exit took a few of the members of the audience and escorted them to the show. In addition, a half-hour version of the concert will air on MTV on 14 April.

VH1 will also produce a video podcast interview with Pink that will be available for download on VH1.com and iTunes.

April 12, 2006